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Best flight dispatcher certifications
The best certifications for a flight dispatcher are Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX), Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), and Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO).
Flight dispatcher certifications demonstrate your competency as a flight dispatcher to employers. However, not all flight dispatcher certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best flight dispatcher certifications. Obtaining a flight dispatcher certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for flight dispatchers
| Rank | Flight dispatcher certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) | FAA |
| 2 | Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) | NBAA |
| 3 | Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO) | FAA |
| 4 | Flight Engineer (FE) | FAA |
4 best flight dispatcher certifications
1. Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)
Aircraft Dispatcher is an entry level certification and is required for all Aircraft Dispatchers to demonstrate and pass a written and oral exam to receive their license. This certificate also introduces the applicant to an array of crucial components within the FAA and airport operations. Most applicants will attend an Aircraft Dispatchers five (5) week course and take multiple field trips to local area airline operational control centers. Upon completing the course, the student will be an expert in reading and interpreting Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR), Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) forecasts, and many important aviation weather maps, which are used in daily airline Flight Dispatch offices. Both Domestic and Global Navigation Systems are covered thoroughly, as well as the North Atlantic Track System (NATS). NOTAMs and Pilot Reports are also covered during the course.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
2. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO)
A Control Tower Operator (CTO) is a tower-rated controller, meaning the individual is rated and tested on ground control, tower flight data, and local control within the tower. Before receiving a CTO permit an individual will normally attend the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy. Equivalent training could be with the U.S. Military or civilian equivalent schools. All Air Traffic Controllers will take the Airman's Written Test (AWT) before controlling aircraft. Once arriving on station or airport, the trainee will sign on position with qualified controllers known as On-the-Job Training Instructors (OJTIs) until the trainee can handle the normal facility traffic and any contingency situations that may arise. At this point the trainee undergoes a 'check ride,' where he or she is observed under normal operating conditions and traffic load. If the check ride is favorable on all positions within the tower, then he or she will be issued a CTO permit by the FAA to work all Tower positions (radar positions entail separate training) within the control tower at that particular facility.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
4. Flight Engineer (FE)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a flight dispatcher?
The best flight dispatcher certification is Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX). The Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) is awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this flight dispatcher certification:
- To become a certified Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX), you don't need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for flight dispatchers?
The most in-demand flight dispatcher certification is Aircraft Dispatcher based on all active job postings. Having this flight dispatcher certification will give you access to more flight dispatcher jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a flight dispatcher career and salary?
The Aircraft Dispatcher certification will help you to secure a flight follower position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A flight follower's average salary is $63,989 whereas flight dispatchers make an average salary of $41,736.
The most common combination of flight dispatcher certifications include: Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX), Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), and Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO).
Online courses for flight dispatchers to earn certifications
1. Looker Data Explorer - Qwik Start
This is a Google Cloud Self-Paced Lab. In this lab, you will create a series of visualizations from the Airports and Flights datasets and save them to a dashboard in Looker...
2. Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds
Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds is a five-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the origins of birds. This course examines the anatomy, diversity, and evolution of theropod dinosaurs in relation to the origin of birds. Students explore various hypotheses for the origin of flight. Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/paleontology-theropod-dinosaurs...
3. Airline Operations: Flight Planning and Flight Dispatch
Airline Operations: Master the essentials of aviation - aircraft operational control and dispatch...
4. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft
Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...
5. Phantom & Mavic Flightschool - flight training & Go4 app
Master your flying skills & the DJI Go flight modes like Tapfly, Active Track, Waypoints, Point of interest & more!...
6. Part 1 FAA Private Pilot Ground School (Part 61)
Introduction to flight training, Aircraft Structure, Systems and Flight Instruments...
7. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Fundamentals and Advanced
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Airplanes - Aerodynamics, Flight Maneuvers, JET Engines...
8. Introduction to 2 & 3D Drone Modeling With Agisoft Metashape
Building 2D & 3D Models with drone images and Metashape. Drone flight setups and basic modeling with Metashape...
9. (Core) 4hr FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test Prep for Drone Pilots
Save time, skip fluff & learn the important stuff...
10. Executive Travel Planning for Virtual Assistants
Manage flights, hotels, and car services for corporate travel like a pro! PLUS travel changes during a global crisis...
11. UAS FAR 107 FAA Drone Exam Preparation - INCLUDES NEW RULES
Prepare to pass the FAA knowledge test for UAS Remote Pilot Certification (RPC)...
12. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...
13. Truck Dispatcher - Working with owner operators
Work and earn...
14. Bank Reconciliations & Cash Internal Controls
Mastering Internal Controls and Cash Management: Safeguarding Business Assets and Ensuring Financial Accuracy...
15. Customer Service
How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...
16. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer
Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...
17. Customer Service Basics: Improve your Service now
The basic golden rules to kickstart your service...
18. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)
For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...
19. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
20. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...